Lead-free ammunition is definitely making its presence felt and I am increasingly hearing from readers who have concerns about lead-free bullets and accuracy. Here’s an example of just one such question. Lead-free bullets and accuracy Q: Will my .243 Win rifle shoot lead-free bullets accurately if lead is banned? A:…
Rifles
Rifle of the year – CZ 457
Rifle of the year – CZ 457 CZ have always and continue to offer just what real shooters want, the new CZ 457 series of .22 rimfire rifles continues the lineage of their classic mini bolt action design to new levels of excellence. The new range of 457 rimfires still incorporate…
Rifle Ammunition of the year – Sako Powerhead Blade
Rifle ammunition of the year – Sako Powerhead Blade This ammunition meets the needs of the most demanding lead-free fieldsports enthusiasts. The unique Tri-Blade Tip design, together with the reaction chamfer, provides immediate bullet expansion initiation and optimised mushrooming upon impact at various shooting distances, no matter the size of…
The Savage A22 Pro Varmint
Our Verdict The Savage A22 Pro Varmint semi-automatic rimfire rifle is Savage Arms’ answer to the Ruger 10/22, which has long dominated this area of the market. The A22 is available in many guises but here we have the Pro Varmint stock version, giving a distinct heavy varmint profile. Like…
Steyr Mannlicher Carbon CL II
Steyr Mannlicher has been producing rifles in Austria for more than 150 years and its latest is the Steyr Mannlicher Carbon CL II. As the name suggests, it features a lightweight and strong carbon-fibre stock for consistent accuracy in all weather conditions. The new stock also alleviates excess noise, where…
All about small calibre cartridges
Q: Do you have any information on the .14 or .12 calibre cartridges? I would like to rebarrel a rifle in one of these calibres but what’s your advice on small calibre cartridges? A: There are some worthwhile small calibre cartridges around. The .14 is a unique calibre and a…
Ready for action – Zastava sporting rifle M85
Background to the Zastava sporting rifle Serbian manufacturer Zastava Arms traces its origins back to the casting of four cannons in a small Kragujevac foundry in 1853, the same town where it operates from today, albeit on a much larger scale. Along the way it has been embroiled in two…
Vintage rifles can still be viable
There are historical and legal reasons for the decline in interest in vintage rifles in this country. When I was a child, to have a modest collection of sporting and military rifles was not an uncommon thing for a country gentleman. My father had only a passing interest, but owned…
CZ 455 Mini Sniper .22 rimfire
Don’t be put off by the name; we think ‘Mini Sniper’ is an allusion to the fact this CZ .22 LR rimfire rifle is highly accurate and precise, and perhaps got lost a bit in translation. What the CZ 455 Mini Sniper does, though, is blend elements from the target…
The CZ 511 – an absolute bargain
The CZ 511 is essentially the same gun as the older Brno 581 which had previously been in production since the 1950s, the newer name simply reflecting the rebranding of Brno to CZ. Its design therefore comes with a strong pedigree, and even owners of older Brno models report that…
Sauer 100 Classic XT synthetic
The Sauer 100 Classic XT synthetic is designed as a no-nonsense practical sporting arm and the XT models are the entry-level rifles — offering value but with the Sauer quality. Alternative models have walnut or synthetic stocks, with classic Sporter stock arrangements or stainless steel finishes too. Perhaps the adjustable…
Can I load ammunition for a friend?
Q: I enjoy loading my own ammunition for my .223 and .243 rifles. I have been asked to do some reloading for a friend. Is this legal and would I need to inform my firearms enquiry officer (FEO)? The law on reloading A: There is nothing in law that says…
Bergara B-14R .22 rimfire
I really appreciate an accurate .22 rimfire. A popular rifle for vermin control, it deserves to have a bit of thought and money spent on it. Bergara makes superb barrels as well as complete rifles, and has recently branched out into the rimfire market. The Spanish firm is usually known…
Finding the best position for rifle shooting
There are various positions from which you can shoot a rifle. But which is the correct position for rifle shooting for you? Let’s take a look at some options and see how you can improve. Remember you should not immediately expect 1in groups at 100m from these positions. Check and…
The pros and cons of lead-free bullets
There is a growing push towards lead-free bullets. But what are the pros and cons of lead-free bullets? These are the advantages and disadvantages as I see them and of copper bullets. There are serious considerations for both but lead shot is, of course, being phased out over a five-year…
Savage 110 Ultralite
Verdict on the Savage 110 Ultralite rifle Savage always produces rifles that are aimed at real hunters who want performance over aesthetics — and that’s not me being rude, it’s a compliment. Its AccuTrigger two-stage safety design is now seen on many other rifles, or clones of it — the…
Sauer 404 Synchro XT £3,648
Our Verdict The Sauer 404 Synchro XT is everything you’d expect from a brand with a reputation for elegant, highly accurate, ultra-smooth-operating bolt-action hunting rifles. The modular system on the 404 series allows shooters to change a stock or barrel in seconds. Calibres from .222 Rem to the mighty .375…
Choosing the right stalking rifle
Perhaps you have already done a bit of stalking, possibly as a guest using the estate rifle, and now you have been truly bitten by the deer bug. It’s time to choose a stalking rifle – but where to start? Your biggest decision, and one you need to make even…
Are pump-action rifles really a valid vermin tool?
Q: I see quite a lot of classic .22 rimfire pump-action rifles at auctions. Are they really a valid vermin tool? A: They certainly are! Your first choice would be a newer bolt-action or semi-automatic rimfire for rabbits, but some older model rimfires are tremendous value for money and have…
Steyr Mannlicher Pro Hunter rifle review
Steyr Mannlicher Pro Hunter rifle review: Pro Hunters are seldom seen on the shelves of second-hand dealers. Why?